700 Main Street West, Ashland, WI 54806. | Open Daily - 7:30 a.m. – 8 p.m.

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Local Product Spotlight: Sweet Pea Soaps

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With the sweet smell of lavender and honey or the warm scent of cedarwood and goat’s milk, Sweet Pea Soaps offers a wide range of options. Owner Jennifer DeLonay makes each batch of soap by hand using an olive oil, coconut oil, and palm oil base. Formerly based out of her home in Marengo, Wisconsin, Jennifer recently moved her soap making operations to a new space at 109 West Bayfield Street in Washburn where she also sells local gifts and handmade items.

Utilizing a cold-process soap making method, Jennifer uses a specific amount of fat (whichever oil she chooses as a base) mixed with a specific amount of lye (it varies depending on the type of fat used). First, the lye is dissolved in water. Then, the fat is added. Once the initial mixture is poured together, Jennifer adds her signature scents by incorporating essential oils. She also adds exfoliating elements like oatmeal and dried herbs.

After much mixing, the soon-to-be soap mix thickens. This thickened liquid is poured into molds, and left to harden for 12 to 48 hours. Once hardened, the soap is cut from the mold and sliced into bars. The soap is now ready to use, but an additional 4 to 6 weeks of curing time removes any residual lye and allows excess water to evaporate.

If you would like to learn more about the soap making process, Jennifer will teach a Soap Making Basics class sponsored by the Chequamegon Food Co-op on Saturday, February 23, 2013 from 10 a.m. to noon. Students will learn the basic concept of saponification. will introduce materials and tools, and provide a demonstration of soap making from start to finish. Student participation will be encouraged!

The class will cost only $10 for members and $15 for non-members. Pre-registration is required. For information or to sign up, please call Meagan Van Beest at 715-682-8251.

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